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Monday, July 30, 2012

In Eugene, Oregon, there were a few home break-ins that caused some concerns. Between September 2011 and October 2011, there were reports of someone breaking into homes and using computers. That's right. Not stealing, but using computers.

In March of this year, the police responded to a burglary in progress in which a lady reported someone had broken into her home. Her computer was on and displaying porn. Next to her computer was a lubricant, towel and cell phone.
She picked up the cell and noticed the suspect standing outside her door. The suspect ran in, grabbed the cell phone and lubricant and took off running. He got away only to be caught a month later... watching porn in someone else's house.

It's safe to say that this guy had two problems: 1) he couldn't afford the internet at his crib. 2) He found out that porn is... uh... pretty addictive.

Things have changed since kids used to sneak down to their parent's basement and pop in that VHS tape with a skin flick on it. Now, you can get porn basically anywhere. You can watch porn on your cell phone on the bus. You can peruse "fapping" material on your iPad on the train. And, in the privacy of your own home (or in this case, someone else's), you can watch it on your PC or your TV.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The waiting is over and the Summer Olympics are here! Although I don't need motivation to watch these games from start-to-finish, I do have extra incentive this year: four athletes with Mississippi ties are competing in track and field events!

Bianca Knight - Women's 4 x 100m relay participant

First of all, my favorite of the bunch is Bianca Knight. I'll admit that I'm slightly biased towards her since she graduated from high school less than 1/2 mile from me. A former co-worker of mine used to tell me about how she would race the boys in the neighborhoods of Rankin County and embarrass them. She officially started racing at the early age of 12.

She first received national recognition when she was named the Gatorade 2006 National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. After a short stint as a Texas Longhorn, she turned pro and started working on a way to bring home a gold medal for the U.S. team.

We're pulling for you, Bianca!

Now, despite the fact that the remaining people on my list were not born in Mississippi like Miss Knight, they did attend local universities. Here are my other incentives to stay glued to my couch for T&F events:

Monday, July 23, 2012

This occurred at a day care in Vicksburg, Mississippi, which is about 45 miles west of Jackson. This video infuriates me. Mainly because a child was victimized and I don't have enough fingers to point and place blame. Who do you blame?

A) The boy who violently bullied this little girl.

B) The parent(s) of the boy who either haven't been doing their job or have missed something in regards to their son's behavior.

C) The day care employee who ignored the girl's crying for the duration of the torture.

D) The father's reaction when he took his anger out on the wrong child.

Who's to blame in this? I focus most of my attention on the day care employee. She should have been trained to notice and respond accordingly to this abuse. Safety should be her main priority at all times. She has been appropriately charged with two counts of child neglect.

How do you discipline the boy? It's obviously something really wrong with a 9 year old putting that type of force into bullying a toddler. I think he's too far gone for anything other that psychiatric counseling. Maybe Reckmonster can help with that theory.
A follow-up story says that the kid has been kicked out of the day care. You think?

The final question is: where are his parents? I've yet to see one on TV. The victim's father apologized for losing his cool and he may face charges, but the perpetrator's parents are unknown to me.

Okay, I'll keep this brief: you know that I'm all about supporting the dreams of others. Well, the one thing that I will support in almost anyway that I can is a kid with a dream. A former co-worker of mine has a daughter who is trying to make things happen. She wants to be featured by Seventeen Magazine. In order to do so, she must receive enough "Thumbs Up" on her YouTube makeup presentation.

It would be greatly appreciate if everyone simply took a minute of their day to click play and at the top of the video window, click Like/Thumbs Up.

I want to put social networking to work and see what it really can do. Please take less than 60 seconds to give someone a start of what could be a career in fashion.

At least once a month, I'm going to flashback to previous posts for my new followers who may have missed out. A year ago today, I posted about how I thought that The Mrs. was trying to kill me. Yes, you read that correctly. I know that you're thinking to yourself. "Wait. What? Are you still with her?"

Yes, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary back in April. However, she's still doing the same thing a year later that she did back when I thought she wanted to kill me. Should I be concerned? Go back in time and check out this post to open another window and see why I thought she was plotting against me...

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Things have changed since I watched television on a 19-inch Magnavox color TV back in 1978. My father, brother and I would watch a lot of movies when there weren't any sports on. I became a huge fan of action movies. I was either watching Clint Eastwood shoot a bad guy in a Western flick or checking out Charles Bronson blowing up some low lifes in the city streets.

However, around the early-to-mid 80's, I started seeing a new trend in action movies like "Alien," "Halloween," and "Nightmare on Elm Street." I started seeing females with the leading role in action movies. Back then, there weren't too many women in action movies. Sure, you had Pam Grier in the 70's and Cynthia Rothrock in the 80's, but there just weren't too many options at the theater to see women who consistently made action flicks. Most of the time, you had to catch these ladies via Blockbuster video.

In 2012, we now have a plethora of females who kick butt for a living in the movie theaters. Most of us are familiar with Angelina Jolie's track record. The sultry actress, with the lips that would make a lollipop weep tears of joy, is probably the most popular female action hero at this time. With movies like "Wanted," "Salt," "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and the "Tomb Raider" series, she's leading the pack when it comes to being a leading character in great action movies. By the way, if you haven't seen "Wanted" yet, then do yourself a favor and put it in your Netflix queue now. It's "The Matrix 2.0."

But, I have some other favorites that I enjoy seeing on the big screen as well. You have probably heard of all of them or maybe saw them without knowing who they were.

Michelle Rodriguez

Why no one has developed a series of movies starring Michelle in a leading role is beyond me. She has the toughness and edginess that makes her the female version of a Jason Statham. With roles in "Machete," "Fast & Furious," "SWAT" and "Girl Fight," Rodriguez normally takes a "tomboy" approach to her roles and pulls it off nicely.

Zoe Saldana

This lady is blowing up these days. She's starting to appear in blockbuster movies on a regular basis. With flicks like "The Losers," "Avatar" and "Star Trek" to her credit, she is on her way to be one of Hollywood's highest paid ladies. Saldana has even recently landed a starring role, in a movie worthy of a sequel, "Colombiana." What started as an appearance as an uncredited extra on "Law & Order" back in the 90's has turned into millions.

Devon Aoki

She's very close to being my favorite, but that lack of a mainstream, leading roles prevents it. Aoki, who is trademarked with that permanent scowl in each movie, doesn't have the acting talents of some of the more well-known actresses. But, despite being limited in the types of roles she could play, has the potential to be a huge star with the right script. She wasn't that appealing to me in "2 Fast & 2 Furious," but her roles in "DOA: Dead or Alive" and "Sin City" were right up her alley. Hopefully, the Sin City sequel, scheduled for release in 2013, will finally put her on the map. She's an assassin movie waiting to happen if anyone is willing to give her the opportunity.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What in the Wide World of Sports is going on with everyone? Who would have thought that people wanting to get a simple buzz would turn into synthetic marijuana and ninjas? Yes, ninjas.

Check out the video below where this guy, who is higher than giraffe booty, decides to go Jackie Chan on some cops. The one minute mark is where things go haywire.

Did you see how dude channeled his inner-Neo and went Matrix on those cops? My question is: did he know martial arts before he got high or did the chronic instill some Crouching Junkie Hidden Dragon in him?

I'm not a drinker and I'm definitely not a smoker. I'll just stick to an all-natural high. I've never been drunk or high and I cannot stand the feeling of not being in control. I even hated being under the influence of anesthesia shortly after my knee surgery last November.
If drugs are making people do flip-kicks and eat each other, than count me out.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

When I first started my blog, two years ago today, it was called "Thank, Q for Common Sense" for a reason. I felt the desire to inject some "common sense" into the blogging world. Although people are welcome to blog about whatever they would like, I thought there were too many blogs that lacked perspective. So many blogs seemed as if they were based on what the writer felt from the heart instead of from the brain.

I didn't want to do that. I wanted my blog to be strictly based on logic and perspective because that's how I try to live my life. Because of that, it gets frustrating to come across people who don't have the same concept. I wish people would stop choosing emotions over common sense. Just because you like something or someone doesn't mean that you should defend that idea/person at all costs.

I remember when the Chris Brown / Rihanna incident happened how so many people on Twitter were coming to his defense. "Well, we don't know what Rihanna said to him that pissed him off."

"Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Leave Chris Brown alone."

Really? So, simply because you like the guy (or you're a fan), he isn't guilty of anything? R. Kelly. Charlie Sheen. Lindsay Lohan. I can go on-and-on. These people have been accused of some heinous acts yet they're even more popular than ever. Why? Because you like their music or they make you laugh in a sitcom or movie. Ummmm, okay.

Well, let me take that back. I'm not saying that you can't be fans. I'm just saying that I think it looks stupid to defend them when people talk about the heinous acts that they committed. I think that's what's wrong with this country. We use our emotions to make decisions (which wind up being irrational). Everything offends us because we're too emotional. It doesn't matter if it's a true statement or not because common sense isn't factored into the equation. If it hurts our feelings, then we lash out. We'll even lash out over something that has nothing to do with us. Twitter blew up months ago from people defending Whitney Houston's substance abuse problem after her death. People who didn't even know her were pissed off at just the mere thought that someone who was in rehab as recently as last year was speculated to have overdosed... because they like her music. I even had someone on Facebook get mad at me for not Liking her "We Love Whitney" fan page. I told her respectfully that I didn't want to join the page which resulted in her Unliking my fan page.

Wow. Because I don't feel the same way you do about a person, I'm of no use to you any more, huh? So be it.

Tantrums used to be a kid thing. Not in 2012.

People, I'm tired. I'm tired of being the only person willing to put myself in other people's shoes to understand their point. I'm tired of stating a fact only to have it offend someone because it applies to them or someone they know. I'm tired of being the voice of reason in an unpopular situation. Maybe two years has been enough time to fight stupidity. Maybe it's time for me to terminate my blog and move on with my life and find another hobby.

Psych! Are you nuts? LOL! That's actually what drives my blog. The more ignorance I encounter, the more posts I type. I shall continue with my message because some things just need to be said. I will "blog 'til I fall" and hope that I can just get one person to stop and think. You don't have to agree with me, but at least consider things from someone else's perspective. And remember this, as I blow out the candles on Year Two: common sense is like deodorant, the people who need it the most don't use it. (drops mic)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

I've always said to myself that if I took the time to try and understand how some people think, that my head would explode. I just can't seem to understand the mindset of our modern-day society. It doesn't seem like that long ago when people took care of one another and did things in the community's best interest. Not now. Everyone is down for self. "What can I get out of it?"

Hmmph. It's a shame. Recently, I had a Twitter follower of mine launch a campaign to be a cover model for a magazine. She has over 1,000 followers, yet when she launched her campaign, I would guess that less than 50 people actually made an effort to support her. I could be wrong, but I'm just going off of what I saw.

Now, I know that with her being a model, a lot of people who are following her are just horny dudes (and women) looking for a booty shot Instagram. I get that. I just have a hard time believing that they represent the other 950+ followers who chose not to support by retweeting or sending a message during the campaign.

Being from Mississippi, I know all about not being supported. This state has its share of celebrities and musicians, but a majority of them had to leave the state in order to be discovered. Example: rapper, David Banner, was a local guy who was fairly popular in the Jackson nightclub scene. I remember when he dropped his first CD and how few copies he sold. Out of all of the thousands of people in Jackson who had seen him perform in nightclubs or knew him personally, his album sales were piss-poor. He moved to Atlanta, made it big and now all I hear is "That's my homeboy right there! Mississippi born and raised!"

Seriously? He had to change states to make a dollar and now he's your boy? Then, after he shows his allegiance to his new home state of Georgia, you hate on him for not giving back (enough) to Jackson? "Banner won't do shows here any more. He's changed!"

Because you didn't support him! He's taking care of the people who embraced him before stardom.

Since I've started blogging, I've encountered tons of talented writers, aspiring musicians, stunning models and more. Each and every chance that I get, I try and help him get exposed to more people. Despite the fact that I only have a couple of hundred followers on Twitter or Facebook, I try to make sure that an extra set of eyes get a glimpse of what could be a future star.

So, if it's The Tsaritsa dropping a CD or my man in Idaho authoring his first book, I have their backs. My followers are their followers.
Why? Because people are supposed to help other people. That's a concept that has been lost over the last 50 years. You're supposed to do things and not expect things in return other than a "thank you." I didn't support Naté Jones because I wanted exposure for my blog, a booty call or some payout when she's rich and famous. I supported her because I want to see people succeed.

We need to stop being selfish and learn how to help uplift others. In return, someone down the line may help uplift you. Stop ignoring people you can help and then getting mad at them when they make it big and don't acknowledge you. Why should they? Let's drop the selfish attitude and do like a bra and "support!"

Why do you think our mentality has changed on supporting others' dreams?

Monday, July 9, 2012

LOL! Is this what our society has come to? The anti-cheating device? Peep the photo. This ring is designed to leave an imprint on your hand that says "I'm Married" for the guys (or women) who like to pop their rings off on those trips to the bar.

Seriously? Is marriage so much of a joke now that people have to LoJack their spouses? We're to the point where we're branding our significant others?
Sometimes I wonder if people create these things just to give me something to blog about.

First of all, as a man who has been married for ten years, anytime you take your ring off, it will leave a tan line as discouragement to others.
How much of a loser would I look like with a tan line and "I'm Married" stamped on my fourth finger? And make no mistake about it, if you wear one of these, then you are a loser along with the spouse who buys it. You're a loser because you're not trustworthy enough to have a grown-up's wedding ring. Your significant other is a loser because they don't trust you enough to not brand you and they're too cowardly to leave someone they don't trust.

Yeah, I said it.
This country has no idea what marriage truly is. Absolutely no idea. Marriage isn't "hard work" like some people think. Why? Because if two people truly love each other, then why would it be so difficult to get along? I'm not saying that a person can't find themselves in a bad situation or anything. Some people are good at hiding who they are until after marriage (depending on how long you dated). However, for the most part, finding a spouse is just like hiring for a job: if you don't take the interviewing process seriously, then you'll wind up with a non-productive employee.

The bottom line is: people suck at choosing a mate and like most people in today's society, instead of blaming themselves, they blame the other person. That's why some people date the same type of bad person only to wonder why they got mistreated. Then they decide to corrupt the minds of good people by saying "all men are dogs / all women are ho's." No, they're not. Just the ones that you choose are. #GetOverYourself

Some people hate being lonely and think that someone will change into the person they want them to be. How's that working out for you? You picked this unemployed loser as a spouse and to your surprise, that person doesn't have a job a year into the marriage. Imagine that. I planted an apple tree yet I'm surprised when the tree produces apples. I could have sworn it would change into an orange tree now that I'm married. #ChokeYourself

Some people have self-esteem lower than a snail's stomach. They marry who someone who has cheated on them in the past with hopes that it won't happen again. Or maybe, they stole that person from someone else thinking that it could never happen to them. "That's just a man being a man" or "she knows where home is." #GrowAPair

So, for the aforementioned group, this ring is for you! Wear it and brand yourself proudly, but know this: if I ever see you with one of those imprints on your finger, I will laugh my head off at you. Because although no marriage is perfect, no marriage should be to the point that a brand is needed.

Here is the advice that I would give to anyone who may be considering one of these rings: if you take the time that it takes to plan your wedding to learn how to be a spouse, then you won't feel the need to own one of these rings.
(Steps off soapbox)

Friday, July 6, 2012

In these days, things are so much different than they were 50 years ago. In 1962, a woman was chastised for having a baby out of wedlock, especially as a teen. In 2012, not only can you see a 15 year old pregnant, she'll even get a baby shower out of it, too.

But, because men and women are becoming parents at such an early age now, the generation gaps are shrinking. So, it's not uncommon to see 36 year old parent and a 20 year old child. (I actually once met a server at Hooters who was a 32 year old grandmother).

Now throw in the fact that it's no longer frowned upon to "rob the cradle" these days. "Cougars" and "Sugar Daddies" are an accepted part of society now for the most part. So, what happens when your "Cougar" Mom or "Sugar Daddy" Father get the hots for one of your friends or vice versa?

If a man/woman is mid-to-late 30's, then they are still in relatively good shape and capable of doing a lot of things that a 20-something can do. To be in your mid-to-late 30's and done with raising kids is almost like a new lease on life to a lot of former teen parents. They get to do all of the things that they couldn't do in their 20's when they were actively raising a child. Sometimes, they even go to the same hangout spots as their child...

Would you ever date someone your child's age? / What would you do if your parent dated someone your age?

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

How could anyone say "no" to this?

I need everyone to tweet/Stumble this page and make a dream come true!

TQ is always thankful of the support that it receives. It may be in the form of a comment on the page, following me on Twitter or liking my Fan Page.

Because of the love these people show to me, I absolutely feel obligated to show that same love back to them.

We have to support our own! So many of us will go on Facebook and Like Drake or Nike, yet when someone in your own neighborhood is up-and-coming, you won't even give them a "thumbs up" as well.

Drake doesn't know you. Nike won't lower prices for you. I'm not saying that they're not worthy of support, but don't ignore the people who will actually thank you personally for what you do.

Naté and I have spoken a couple of times and we track each other's success on Twitter. She has the personality, the drive and definitely the body to grace the cover of any magazine. I'm calling on everyone in the TQ family to make it happen! Retweet like you're a stuttering baby bird and make a dream a reality.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

I've been hanging on to this story for a while. Almost two months ago, I went to the doctor for a check up and got into a staring contest with a guy wearing a rebel flag cap. He was in the waiting room with his son who appeared to be mid-20's and unable to fill out his paperwork without assistance.

For those who are new to my blog, I am a black guy. That's important as I tell my story. So, rebel flag guy stares at me as if he wanted to dissect me with his eyes. I stare back until I realize that he's way too ugly to stare at so long. Out of the restroom walks a very attractive blonde. She was around 5'4" with an athletic build. She was like a miniature version of Laura Prepron. She sits next to me and the fun begins...

"Hi, how are you? My name is Quincy!" I say emphatically.

"Hi, I'm Becky and that's not much of a pick-up line," she replied with a smile and while extending her hand for a shake.

I started thinking to myself, "Okay, cool. She's friendly. This should be fun."

"Ooh," she starts,"I have a cell phone just like yours, Quincy!"

I now have the full attention of Mr. Rebel Flag. Although he's too far away (12-15 feet) to hear our conversation, he can see that Becky and I are enjoying each other's company. As I'm tweeting, Becky grabs my hand to get a better look at my phone and notices than I'm on Twitter. I look up and sure enough, RF Guy doesn't look happy that she's touching me.

She laughs at my tweet and then looks up and notices RF Guy turning redder by the minute. I look up at him with a huge smirk and then back at her. "What's wrong with him?" she whispers.

"I don't think he likes the idea of you talking to me," I reply.

Becky realizes that she's part of a show and decides to play along. She takes my phone from my hand and starts typing.

She gives me back the phone and flashes a huge smile. "Thank you," I started, "you just started the ball rolling on the sequel to "A Time to Kill."

"I'm sorry," she said erupting in laughter,"I couldn't resist after I realized what was going on."

By now, this guy is mumbling to himself and his son is looking over at us trying to figure out what's going on. RF Guy is still staring at Becky and I to the point that I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. She seems to be getting a kick out of it and she asks me about what I do for a living to continue the conversation. Before I can answer, the nurse calls her name to go to the back to see the doctor. "It was very nice to meet you," she starts, "You're funny."

"No, I should be thanking you for that Oscar-winning performance," I said quietly.

She smiled, glanced at RF Guy and then disappeared behind the double doors. I look back over at RF Guy and he looks like a lobster. I can't believe this guy is so upset. Does he hate black people so badly that a conversation with a white woman blows his lid?

A few minutes later, the nurse calls my name. I don't even look the direction of RF Guy and his son as I make my way to the back. Hopefully, I won't need a police escort to get to my car in the parking lot once I'm done. I'd hate to get outside and find RF Guy and six of his friends standing next to my car. After all, this is Mississippi.

I come out of the doctor's office and look around the waiting room. No RF Guy. I walk to my car smiling to myself thinking about everything that happened. I probably ruined that racist's day. I can't wait to get back to work and tell someone how I pissed off a white man. How people let other people's business affect their lives is beyond me.